Chapter 1 A Day Of Anticipation

A Day Of Anticipation Onika Kenneth, a 5'7" black lady with beautiful hazel eyes and a cheerful smile, hurried around her living room looking for her documents.

"Mum, I am going to be late for work! Have you seen my documents?" she asked, her voice filled with anxiety.

Onika, 24, was a Harvard University graduate with a degree in accounting. She is determined to create a name for herself in the financial world and is presently working at Drinks by Easton, a well-known beverage company. Mrs. Nichole Kenneth, a woman in her early forties with a nice smile and a kind face, descended the stairs, dressed in a pink robe and with her hair tied in a bun.

"Dear, you took them up to your room, remember?" she said, moving towards the kitchen to begin breakfast. The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and Onika's tummy rumbled with anticipation. She enjoyed her mother's coffee, which was brewed with a particular blend of beans from their homeland in Nigeria. Onika's cheeks brightened with recall.

"Oh, I remember now!" She hurried upstairs, her pulse beating with anticipation. She hurriedly collected her documents and headed back downstairs, her legs propelling her forward.

"Mom, can you give me a cup of coffee to go?" she inquired, reappearing in the kitchen. Mrs. Kenneth smiled, her eyes crinkled at the corners.

"Of course, dear." She began preparing the coffee, moving quickly and efficiently. She placed the scorching hot coffee in a thermos and handed it to Onika.

"Be careful, it's hot," she said. Onika took the thermos and gave her a short embrace.

"See you later tonight, alright? And don't forget to prepare pasta for dinner." She said as she ran out the door, her legs propelling her rapidly to the bus station.

The cold winter air smacked her face, and she tightened her coat over herself. At the bus station, she ran into her friend Pat, a magnificent dark-skinned woman with piercing green eyes, a lovely smile, and a confident demeanor. Pat's beautiful, wavy hair flowed down her back, while her bright red dress highlighted her curves. She was a statuesque beauty standing 5'9" with a commanding presence.

"Hey, Onika!" Pat waved and saved her a seat on the bus. Onika smiled, thankful for the friendly face.

"Hey, Pat! Good morning." They talked about their weekends, with Pat telling her stories about her newest experiences and Onika updating her on the latest news. As they neared their office building, they discussed the imminent promotion.

"Hey, have you heard about the shortlist announcement today?" Pat inquired, her eyes shining with enthusiasm.

"Yeah, I've been preparing for weeks," Onika says, her mind racing with excitement. "I really hope I make the cut."

"I hope you will, you're one of the most talented people in our company," Pat continued, her voice full of enthusiasm. "Just be yourself and show them what you're made of."

Pat worked in the foreign affairs department, where she managed international partnerships and discussions. She was a bright thinker with a strong eye for opportunities. Onika respected her brilliance and confidence, and the two immediately became great friends. When they arrived at the office building, Onika felt a rush of exhilaration. The building in front of them, it's bright sign shining in the morning light.

They both step into the building and is greeted by the beautiful reception area. The reception area was wide and well-lit, with comfy chairs and a giant welcome sign illuminated with LED lights. As they reached the reception desk, Angela, the gorgeous receptionist, greeted them with a friendly grin. "Good morning! I hope you came in with a nice attitude today."

Onika and Pat chuckled and responded to Angela's greeting as they checked in at the reception counter before walking to the elevator. Onika's pulse beat with excitement as she got into the elevator, her thoughts focused on the promotion. She clicked the button for the 26th level, her floor, she and Pat steps in the elevator which takes them to there respective departments.

"Good luck, Onika," Pat remarked, smiling as she exited the 24th floor.

"You too, Pat," Onika said, her gaze riveted on the doors as they closed. She took a deep breath and braced herself for the trials ahead. .........

As I stepped out of the elevator, I felt an inexplicable sense of optimism. I walked to my desk, greeting my coworkers with a smile. Raelynn, a tall, white girl with long blonde hair and dark blue almond eyes, noticed my enthusiasm.

"You look exceptionally happy today," she said, eyeing me with curiosity.

"I feel happy, Lynn," I replied, taking a seat at my desk.

"By the way, have you heard about the meeting today?" Raelynn was about to respond, but she was interrupted by our director, Mr. Tino.

"Everyone, please return to your desks. We have an important announcement." As we settled in, Mr. Tino explained that today was promotion day, and only those who had worked for the company for three or more years were eligible. He also reminded us that senior staff members were excluded from consideration.

Raelynn leaned in, whispering, "Thank goodness for the change in rules. It gives others a chance to shine." I nodded in agreement, focusing on the director's words. After the announcement, Mia, the assistant to Mr. Tino, appeared, holding a file.

"Please make your way to the general hall. We need to be settled before the senior executives arrive."

Inside the hall, the atmosphere was electric. People chatted in huddles, discussing the impending promotions. By 9:00 a.m., Mrs. Taylor Owens, our branch manager, took the stage. She was a woman in her late 40s with short brown hair and a kind face. She wore a pink gown that stopped at her knees and hugged her curves, her six-inch heels clicking as she moved. She smiled and turned her head left and right, looking at her employees.

"Good morning all," she began. "Today is a great day for all of us. As promotions are handed out, please note that it was your hard work and dedication that brought you this far. And now, let's move on to the announcements."

As Mrs. Taylor continued speaking, she announced the first promotion. The room erupted into applause and cheers as Pat's name was called. We rushed to congratulate her, beaming with pride.

"Oh my gosh, Pat! Congratulations!" I exclaimed, hugging her tightly. "Thanks, Onika! I'm so thrilled!" Pat replied, her eyes shining with excitement. Raelynn joined in, grinning from ear to ear. "We're so proud of you, Pat! You deserve it!" After a long list of promotion being handed, it finally came to the last one, Mrs. Taylor announced Raelynn's promotion, and she froze, stunned, before bursting into tears of joy. I hugged her tightly, genuinely happy for my friend. "You deserve it, Lynn! You've worked so hard for this!" Raelynn sniffled, wiping her tears away. "Thanks, Onika. I can't believe it. I'm going to Paris!" Pat joined in, hugging Raelynn as well.

"We're going to miss you, but we're also so proud of you! Finally, Mrs. Taylor announced that one more position had become available at headquarters – the assistant to the president. The room fell silent, and I couldn't help but wonder who would fill that coveted role.